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Film Festivals

Massachusetts is a major center for film production, and our passion for film is demonstrated by an impressive slate of film festivals – some international in scope, some focused on specific genres or subjects. In addition to screenings, the festivals provide an opportunity to attend lively panel discussions and Q&A sessions with directors, producers, and actors. Please check festival web sites for exact schedules, locations, and ticket information.

Greater Boston

Belmont World Film
Features narrative and documentary films from top international film festivals and a family film festival with animated and live action films, and special events.
Family film festival, January
International film series, March-May

BOSTON

Boston Albanian Film Festival
Screens one Albanian feature each night plus additional shorts. Meet with directors, producers, and actors. All movies in Albanian with English subtitles.
October

Boston Film Festival
One of America’s longest running and most recognized celebrations of film. Entertaining, insightful, educational, and cutting-edge films; lively question-and-answer sessions with directors and actors. Stuart Street Playhouse.
September

Roxbury International Film Festival
Films celebrating people of color. Film screenings, workshops, and panel discussions take place at the Museum of Fine Arts, Massachusetts College of Art, Wentworth Institute of Technology, Northeastern University, the Roxbury Center for the Arts at Hibernian Hall, and the Coolidge Corner Theatre.
June

Boston Irish Film Festival
Showcases films from Irish filmmakers around the world, films that expand the definition of Irish culture in the 21st century.
March

Boston Turkish Film Festival
Features contemporary Turkish cinema and Turkish filmmakers. Many films are North American or U.S. premieres.
March/April

Independent Film Festival of Boston
Showcases the best independent films from around the world — a mix of features, documentaries, and shorts. Panels and post-screen parties provide the opportunity to meet the directors, producers, and actors.
April

Boston International Film Festival
Brings together local, national, and international filmmakers. Screens independent and experimental films — feature-length, shorts, and student works.
April

Boston Palestine Film Festival
The Boston Palestine Film Festival (BPFF) brings Palestine-related cinema, narratives, and culture to New England audiences.
October

BOSTON, BROOKLINE & SUBURBS

Boston Jewish Film Festival
617-244-9899
The best contemporary films from around the world, which explore Jewish identity, the current Jewish experience, and the richness of Jewish culture in a diverse world. Features, shorts, documentaries, and conversations with visiting artists.
November

Boston LGBT Film Festival
International films of all lengths and genres that tell stories of the contemporary and historic experiences of lesbian, gay, and bisexual persons.
April

Boston Underground Film Festival
BUFF seeks the alternative, the confrontational, the political and the controversial; films that celebrate alternative visions and sounds, offering a platform that encourages new ideas and work that pushes the envelope in style and content.
March

Arlington International Film Festival
Independent films from around the world: documentary and narrative features, shorts, animation, and experimental. Panel discussions and post-screen parties with directors, producers, and actors.
October

The DocYard
Bi-weekly documentary film and discussion series at the Brattle Theatre in Cambridge. In-person Q&As with filmmakers.
January-April

Massachusetts Independent Film Festival
A truly independent film festival founded by filmmakers for filmmakers. Each year the festival has a section devoted to New England filmmakers, while also presenting the best in independent film from around the world. Networking opportunities are provided throughout the year with screenings, panel discussions, and parties where you can meet the filmmakers.
August

Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival
508-645-9599
More than fifty films in a three-day immersion in film plus panel discussions and organic meals. Contiguous free children’s film festival at the Chilmark Library.
March

Martha’s Vineyard International Film Festival
508-696-9369
Four days filled with the best feature and short films from top-notch festivals, such as Sundance, Berlin, and Cannes; great evening events; provocative forums; and live world music. Approximately 90 percent of all film selections are non-US productions, helping to fulfill the festival mission of promoting cross-cultural understanding through film. 2010 festival named by MovieMaker Magazine as one of its top 25 festivals.
September

NANTUCKET

Nantucket Film Festival
212-708-1278
The “screenwriters’ film festival.” Screenings consist of 35-45 independent, studio-produced, foreign, documentary, and short films in every genre, including premieres. Plus NFF Screenwriters Tribute, late-night storytelling, an informal morning coffee program with festival guests, and staged readings.
June

Central & Western Massachusetts

AMHERST

Massachusetts Multicultural Film FestivalUMass Amherst’s Interdepartmental Program in Film Studies presents new groundbreaking works by both emerging and established international filmmakers. Focuses on a different theme each year, highlighting topical issues in politics and art. Film scholars and filmmakers introduce films and participate in Q&As. Screenings are free.
February-April

Berkshire International Film Festival
413- 528-8030
Showcases the latest in independent feature, documentary, short, and family films plus lively panel discussions and special events focusing on filmmakers and talented artists from both sides of the camera.
June

WILLIAMSTOWN & NORTH ADAMS

Williamstown Film Festival
413-458-9900
Features drama, comedy, animation, and documentaries plus popular all-shorts programs. Panels, seminars, and Q&As with actors, writers, directors, and producers.
November